Lisburn have confirmed the signing of Nigel Jones, the CIYMS cricket captain who has left Belmont after eight trophy-laden years.
The 40-year-old former Ireland all-rounder guided CI to an unprecedented period of success, including a first Irish Cup triumph over Lisburn earlier this month.
Jones, who lives close to LIsburn’s Wallace Park ground, is joining a Lisburn club who are still basking in the glow of an unlikely NCU Premier League title success.
Read more: Nigel Jones to leave CIYMS after Irish Cup final triumph over Lisburn
After finishing bottom of the table in 2021, Callum Atkinson’s side stormed to the title and Jones’s arrival will surely mean they will once again be a force to be reckoned with next season.
“After a successful 2022 campaign, the club are delighted Nigel Jones is joining Lisburn as we look to continue to improve leading into the 2023 season,” said Atkinson.
“Nigel’s credentials speak for themselves both as a player on the pitch and a leader off it. Our playing group look forward to sharing the field with Nigel and utilising his experience.
“Everyone at the club welcomes Jonesy and his family to Wallace Park.”
New Zealand-born Jones became a club legend firstly at Civil Service North in Belfast, before moving to their neighbours and rivals CIYMS, where he proved to be the figurehead for a group of players who had mostly joined from other clubs.
He remains a formidable all-round cricketer in the club game.
“After eight very enjoyable and successful seasons with CIYMS CC, I believe that the time is now right for both CIYMS and me to make a change.
“My move to Lisburn CC next season will help to provide me with a better balance of family life and cricket, particularly given the proximity to my home and the role I will be undertaking within the team and club.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with the club and supporting Uel Graham (coach), Callum Atkinson (captain) and my new teammates as they look to build on their team success and level of performances from this past season.
“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Lisburn CC who have made this move a reality and of course to all at CIYMS CC for supporting my decision.”
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